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Can you believe it’s July already? It’s the zenith of summer vacations, with plenty of empty desks and the sunshine and great outdoors calling alluringly to those remaining in the office. But it’s also the midway point for the year, when we have just six more months to make all of our new year’s resolutions come true.

This month’s cover story tackles one of the resolutions that likely was on your list: hiring well. Across all business sectors, many companies are struggling to attract and retain the right talent, especially in upper levels of company leadership. Generation X, a small cohort to begin with, spent the early part of its career working under much flatter management structures than baby boomers experienced, leaving a relatively small pool of talent with key middle management experience. Writer Courtney Roush examines the trends and offers insightful suggestions from company executives on finding the right candidates, both inside and outside the direct selling community.

Also inside this issue of Direct Selling News, you’ll find in-depth coverage of three companies at different stages of development. In our Company Spotlight, writer Barbara Seale takes us inside one of the fastest-growing companies in direct selling today: Arizona-based Isagenix International. The company grew from $448 million in net sales in 2013 to $725 million in 2014 and is currently tracking to join the exclusive club of $1 billion companies by year’s end. Readers who are interested in attracting more millennials to their brands will find this of particular interest: Isagenix has grown its millennial movement from a small Facebook group in 2012 to the fastest-growing segment in the company’s distributor base today.

In our Company Focus story, writer Andrea Tortora offers an in-depth look at the business strategy behind CVSL Inc., the growing holding company helmed by John Rochon Sr. that has purchased such notable direct selling brands as the Longaberger Co. and Kleeneze. In his interview with DSN, Rochon outlines a long-range plan for expansion, including plans to acquire a new company on average of once each quarter. He also explains why he continues to be bullish on direct selling: “As an industry, we sell the things that are in short supply in the world,” including health, beauty and time. Last but not least, our Case Study story offers a deep dive into how executives at Mannatech Inc. built a rigorous compliance culture while executing a financial turnaround.

We’ve also included several pages of coverage on the happenings from the DSA Annual Meeting, held May 31 to June 2 in San Antonio. The coverage includes announcements and new board members, along with ETHOS Award winners and descriptions of the Gala Celebration and the DSEF auction.

We hope that you find these stories informative and inspiring as you work to execute the second half of your 2015 game plan.